Baker Institute

Thank you to all who joined us for “Becoming Martian” with @riceuniversity professor @ScottESolomon as part of our Civic Scientist Lecture Series. He discussed how travel to space stations, the moon, or Mars could shape human health, development, and future generations as commercial space exploration expands. 📺 Full event here: bit.ly/4qJWvgU

What does the ongoing Iran war mean for Türkiye’s relationship with the West? A new brief by @Baker_CME’s A.Kadir Yildirim examines how the conflict may shape Ankara’s role in NATO & its broaderWestern orientation. bit.ly/3PiHmpC #Turkey #NATO #Iran #MiddleEast #Security

This Friday, @CES_Baker_Inst and @bratecchouston will host the “Brazil Summit 2026.” This conference will examine the political, regulatory and economic trends shaping Brazil’s energy sector, with special attention to diplomatic and trade relations with the United States and China. Free and open to the public: bit.ly/4kZun7K

Joint U.S.-Israelistrikes on Iran since Feb. 28 have displaced civilians across the Middle East. @kelseypnorman examines internal displacement in Iran and Lebanon and the broader impacts on humanitarian aid. bit.ly/40BALc8 #MiddleEast #Migration #HumanitarianAid

Sustained deficits & rising interest costs are reshaping the federal budget. 📉 @jw_diamond breaks down the 2026 @USCBO outlook & what it means for the decade ahead. Read the full analysis: bit.ly/473hh3L #FiscalPolicy #NationalDebt #CBO

The 2026 shutdown of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz exposes a critical vulnerability in global energy trade. @Dr_Ulrichsen & @jimkrane analyze the world’s key maritime chokepoints and their growing geopolitical risks. bit.ly/40uY7QJ #EnergySecurity#Shipping #Geopolitics

Nearshoring may not be the only path for Northern Mexico. James Gerber’s new paper for @Baker_CUSMEX examine show ICT-enabled services & high productivity growth could complement — or substitute for — manufacturing-led strategies. 💻 bit.ly/4rrKFYC #Nearshoring #ServicesTrade

🌎 The first formal joint USMCA review is set for July 2026, putting North American trade and economic integration up for debate amid growing tensions. “The New Dynamics of North American Trade: The Review of USMCA 2026” will examine challenges, priorities, and recommendations that can inform the upcoming review process. Hosted by the @Baker_CUSMEX. Reserve your spot here: bit.ly/4bPc3M9

Oil prices are climbing as tanker traffic through the #StraitofHormuz halts amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. In an @AP article, @CES_Baker_Inst’s @Ken_Medlock warns that releasing oil reserves too early could risk losing a key buffer. “The price is up, but it could get worse.” bit.ly/4rCQjYk #Iran #EnergyMarkets #Oil

🛢️ Kuwait’s slow pace of oil extraction risks stranded reserves as global demand shifts. In a new report for @Baker_CME & @CES_Baker_Inst, @jimkrane &@Dr_Ulrichsen examine why accelerating production is increasingly critical to protect long-term economic value. bit.ly/4sIeg1h #KuwaitOil #EnergyPolicy #OOTT

Morena’s “hugs, not bullets” strategy allowed criminal organizations to grow. In a new @Baker_CUSMEX commentary, @EmPoloAexamines Mexico’s security strategy after the killing of El Mencho, institutional limits, & risks of retaliatory violence. bit.ly/3MVHMkZ #Mexico #OrganizedCrime#SecurityPolicy #PublicSafety #LatinAmerica.

🎙️ In the latest episode of “Baker Briefing,” @AmbSatterfield and Mohammad Ayatollahi Tabaar examine how Tehran is interpreting the escalating conflict with the U.S. and Israel — and what it could mean for the future of the Middle East. 🔗 Listen:bit.ly/3N7c0l0

Last week, our director @AmbSatterfield was featured in @cspan’s "Ceasefire" segment on the growing conflict in the Middle East. He discusses the evolving U.S. strategy toward Iran and the broader regional implications.

.@AmbSatterfield joined @BloombergTV's @JoumannaTV to discuss the rapid escalation of the conflict with #Iran and why the regime is unlikely to make meaningful concessions to end the war at this stage. bloomberg.com/news/videos/20…

🌐 The current U.S. political landscape is marked by intense partisan polarization, major shifts in global policy and economic uncertainty.  In collaboration with Consejo Mexicano de Asuntos Internacionales (COMEXI) and @MexicoComoVamos, @Baker_CUSMEX will host the annual “US Policy Outlook” conference, providing an in-depth analysis of U.S. policy, politics, economic trends, and foreign affairs. bit.ly/4s4qu3L

Iran’s strikes on airports, ports, hotels, & energy facilities have forced Gulf states onto the front lines of a widening U.S.-Iran conflict. In a new piece for @ConversationUS, @Baker_CME’s Kristian Coates Ulrichsen examines the risks of further escalation. bit.ly/3NoQKHr #MiddleEast #Iran #GulfStates#EnergySecurity #USIran

In a new commentary, @GileadSher, Ami Ayalon, & Orni Petruschka examine Netanyahu’s coalition and its commitment to the Gaza peace plan, highlighting the role of Palestinian statehood in advancing durable efforts. bit.ly/4cyq7u0 #MiddleEast #PeaceProcess #IsraelPolitics#RegionalSecurity

Eliminating cartel leaders does not, by itself, dismantle organized crime. On @KPRC2, @PayanTony, Director of the @Baker_CUSMEX, discussed what the death of “El Mencho” could mean for Houston and the U.S. He noted that while enforcement prioritizes high-value targets, dismantling organized crime requires long-term rule of law reform in Mexico. bit.ly/40docDK #USMexico #SecurityPolicy #BakerInstitute

🎙️ CJNG leader Nemesio Oseguera died on Feb. 22, sparking questions about security, governance, and organized crime in Mexico. Tony Payan joins Ambassador David M. Satterfield on "Baker Briefing" to discuss what this means for Mexico’s fight against cartels — and U.S.–Mexico security cooperation. Will it strengthen the rule of law or spark more violence? 🎧 Listen: bit.ly/4lj6KY3

New data reveals Harris County affordable housing exemptions shifted the burden of funding local entities by $355M from 2020–25. With $5B+ in property value now tax-exempt, school districts & local services will likely see revenue gaps shifted onto other taxpayers. bit.ly/4aZBOY1 #Texas #PropertyTaxExemptions #AffordableHousing